Reimer, Arlene Lois (1931-1943)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1943 Aug 5 p. 1

Birth date: 1931

text of obituary:

Group of Children Have Narrow Escape From Drowning

ARLENE REIMER OF MEDFORD, OKLA., LOST HER LIFE SUNDAY, JULY 25

Medford, Okla., July 29. — A 12-year-old girl was drowned and several other children narrowly escaped a similar fate Sunday when they were spilled from a tipping raft at a pond on the Ben Bergen farm one mile north and three miles east of Medford.

Arlene Lois Reimer, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. P. H. Reimer, who live a mile west of the Bergen farm, was the victim.

Her body was recovered 45 minutes after her disappearance in the eight foot deep water. Attempts to revive her proved futile.

The tragedy occurred about 4 p.m. Relatives and neighbors had gathered at the Bergen home for a farewell in honor of Eugene Bergen, who is leaving soon for active service with the armed forces.

A group of children were playing at the pond, some of them riding on the raft and some of the older boys swimming.

The Reimer girl and Helen Bergen were on the raft along with several other boys and girls. The two girls were among those thrown into the water as the raft tipped. Neither of the girls was able to swim and in the confusion the Reimer girl drowned.

Helen Bergen was brought to safety by an uncle, George Bergen, who plunged into the water. Immediate efforts were made to dive for the Reimer girl but it was not until 45 minutes alter that the body was recovered by James Lynn, ambulance driver, who was called to the scene.

The Blackwell fire department rushed a pullmotor from Blackwell and first aid was administered unsuccessfully.

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1943 Aug 12 p. 3